June is for the Fellas

“Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters; men’s health is truly a family issue.”- Congressman Bill Richardson (May 1994)

14 years ago, Congressman Richardson was already discussing the importance of men’s health, and that’s exactly what we’re here to do. June 1^st kicked off #MensHealthMonth, a month that brings awareness to the challenges faced by men as they work to build a stronger tomorrow. The unfortunate reality is that, on average, men have shorter life spans than women – while women are also 100% more likely to visit the doctor for annual exams and preventative services than men.

So…guys, when was the last time you went to the doctor? All men, especially younger, should have annual checkups, but that isn’t the only option. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, we can break it down into 4 categories; awareness, prevention, education, and family.

Awareness

The first step to any lifestyle change is to become aware of the statistics. For instance, according to menshealthmonth.org, 1 in 2 men are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime compared to 1 in 3 women. And, men are dying an average of 5 years younger than women and lead 9 of the 10 top causes of death. However, the good news is that many health conditions can be prevented or detected early on with regular annual screenings, and most cases are completely covered by insurance! This leads us right to our next category; prevention.

Prevention

The most important step a man can take to increase prevention is simple – have regular check-ups. Multiple health conditions can be prevented or detected early on with regular screenings. Here at Aylo Health, regular annual screenings can include blood pressure check, cholesterol, glucose, prostate health, and more. Knowing your numbers can help identify problems early on before they become an even bigger issue. The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to change this statistic and to encourage men to “man up” and get a screening!

Education

Setting up annual visits is a great first step in a healthier lifestyle, however, it doesn’t end there. The secret is consistency and maintaining this lifestyle. First and foremost, start by taking baby steps. For instance, say “yes” to a hearty breakfast and “no” to pulling in the drive-through or supersizing your meal. Try and eat a variety of good foods to ensure that your body receives all the vitamins and nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Also, stay hydrated and try to eat fruits or vegetables at every meal, which can also protect you from chronic diseases.

That’s not all though… exercise is also a vital part of a healthy lifestyle and it doesn’t have to mean straining yourself in the gym. There are practical ways to get physical exercise. For example – play with your children or grandchildren, do some yard work, go for a walk, or simply take the stairs instead of the elevator. Other options could include joining a local sports league or exercise class. Doctors recommend 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intense physical exercise. The most important thing is to choose an activity that not only you enjoy but also keeps you motivated.

Being active and eating healthier can work wonders for a man’s health. Physically active individuals tend to even sleep better, feel better, and function better. And – it’s recommended that adults get seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. Overall, healthier men live happier and longer lives.

Family

The last category is easily the most important of the 4, and that’s family. Maintaining a good, healthy lifestyle is not just for you, men – it’s also for your entire family. Just like Congressman Richardson said, a man’s health is a family issue. Your health and lifestyle have a profound effect on your family. A father wants to be able to play ball with his kids or chase after them on their first bike ride. However, one of the most important things to realize is that you are acting as an example for your family – whether you realize or not. If a child sees his father exercising and regularly seeing his doctor, then he will be increasingly likely to follow in that example.

So, what’s stopping you? Let’s get the ball rolling all month long and keep it going! Show your support for #MensHealthMonth and call us at (770) 268-4011 to schedule your screening today at Aylo Health!